Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says a program called Louisiana’s Songs for Veterans was a big hit this year. Nungesser says four workshops were held that gave veterans the opportunity to learn the craft of songwriting with the help of professional songwriters and touring musicians…
cut 7 (07) “….recorded”
Nungesser says they plan to have at least two more workshops in 2020.

A centuries-old River Parishes Christmas Eve tradition continues tonight as about 190 bonfires will be lit along the Mississippi River levees in St. James and St. John parishes. River Parishes Tourism Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe….
Cut 12 (10) “Noel”
The bonfires will be lit around 7 PM.

LSU has faced good offenses this season, but Oklahoma might be the best. The two teams will clash Saturday in Atlanta at the Peach Bowl. The Sooners are second in the nation in total offense and led by Heisman Trophy finalist Jalen Hurts and big-play receiver Ceedee Lamb. Coach Ed Orgeron on the Oklahoma “O”…
Cut 3 (09) “…tackling”
Orgeron also says there is a chance that running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play, despite a hamstring injury.

If you’re traveling over the river and through the swamp to grandmother’s house you can leave the winter coat at home. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a very un-winter like Christmas for the Bayou State.
Cut 9 (06) “Gulf of Mexico”
High temperatures will be around 70 degrees this week.

A songwriting project that helps vets cope with their experiences through songwriting is so successful it’s set to have one of it’s works recorded in Nashville…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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The West and East Banks of the Mississippi River Levees in St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes will be alight with over 190 bonfires tonight. Michael Farrar has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar” 

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LSU has faced good offenses this season, but Oklahoma might be the best. The two teams will clash Saturday in Atlanta at the Peach Bowl. The Sooners are second in the nation in total offense and led by Heisman Trophy finalist Jalen Hurts and big-play receiver Ceedee Lamb. Coach Ed Orgeron on the Oklahoma “O”…

Cut 3 (09)      “…tackling” 

In 2018, Oklahoma allowed 33 points a game. But this season they are allowing 25 points a contest under first-year defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Tigers Center Lloyd Cushenberry on what he sees from Oklahoma’s defense…

Cut 4 (11) “play hard”

LSU went up against Hurts in 2016 and 2017 when he was the starting quarterback at Alabama. The Crimson Tide won both of those games and Hurts was a big factor why. LSU defensive end Rashard Lawrence says the plan is to hit Hurts often…

Cut 5 (11) “…for it”

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Louisiana’s Songs for Veterans, a program that helps vets cope with their experiences through songwriting, is gaining nationwide acclaim, and the attention of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says early results show promise as a new form of therapy for struggling vets.

Cut 6 (09) “…suffering”

The program is run through the Office of Cultural Development.

Four workshops have occurred across the state so far, with two more already scheduled. Nungesser says the workshops take place over four days…

Cut 7 (07) “…recorded.”

The program holds workshops in Alexandria, Shreveport, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge.

Nungesser says he was particularly touched by the story of one vet who attended the workshop, and now has a new way to process their difficult experiences.

Cut 8 (10) “…beautiful.”

You can sign up for workshops at www-dot-BR-Music-Studios-Dot-Com-Slash-V-S-C.

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If you’re traveling to over the river and through the swamp to grandmother’s house you can leave the winter coat at home. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s very un-winter like this Christmas for the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (06) “Gulf of Mexico”

For the last week of the decade, temperatures will remain unseasonably mild. Keim says Christmas day temperatures will start in the 50s and reach into the 70s across the state, so no hope for a White Christmas.

Cut 10 (11) “…til Sunday”

After Christmas the warming trend will continue, according to Keim the day will begin in the mid-50s and reach into the mid-70s Thursday through Sunday.

Cut 11 (10) “Christmas like.”

Keim says there’s a little chance of rain as we close out the week, perhaps a few pop-up showers, the best chance of rain is on Sunday.

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A centuries old River Parishes Christmas Eve tradition continues tonight as about 190 bonfires will be lit along the Mississippi levees in St. James and St. John parishes.

River Parishes Tourism Commission Executive Director Buddy Boe says the festivities run till 10 PM with fireworks shooting off at 6:50 PM and the bonfires being lit at 7 PM.

Cut 12 (10) “Noel”

Most bonfires are traditional teepees, but about seven are special structures, like a 74-foot long alligator made of wood.

There are a few theories as to where the tradition comes from. Some think it’s a German harvest celebration, others think it may have been started by slaves, but nowadays most people agree…

Cut 13 (05) “…Noel”

This year visitors are encouraged to park at Lutcher High and ride the shuttle up to the levees for a real River Parishes cultural experience.

Cut 14 (10) “…tradition”

Or, you can hop in your car and ride down the East and West Bank River Roads on Highways 44 and 18 for a different view.

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Cut 15 (11) “…two better games”

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Cut 16  (27)  …break more records” 

Cut 17  (12) “I’m good” 

cut 18  (17)  areas”  

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cut 19 (10)  to it ”  

cut 20 (07) “my abilities”    

Four men were arrested in Donaldsonville when authorities followed a tip thee received about alleged dog fighting activity at a residence. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre (Web-burr) says cases of animal cruelty will always be taken seriously and that Ascension parish will not tolerate dogfighting.

Cut 14 (10) “…bond.”

Deputies have charged, 30-year-old Jarret Bringier of Darrow, along with three Donaldsonville residents, 36-year-old Joseph Duncan, 37-year-old Keith Williams Junior and 32-year-old Joshua Jones.

According to Louisiana State Police, 75 percent of the roadway fatalities during the 2018 Christmas holiday season were related to alcohol impairment.  State Trooper Michael Reichardt says never get behind the wheel if you are impaired or in the vehicle with a driver who is cannot drive safely due alcohol or drug impairment.

Cut 5 (11) “one too many”

For the latest road conditions visit 511-LA-dot-org or dial 511 from any cell phone in Louisiana.

There’s a chance LSU’s leading rusher could play Saturday against Oklahoma. Jeff Palermo has the story….
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A new year appears to be bringing a new crop to Louisiana. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana to receive federal approval to allow hemp licenses to be issued to Louisiana farmers by the first of January.

The commissioner says obtaining one of those licenses is a bit of a lengthy process because of regulation requirements. However, Strain says that so far, it appears Louisiana growers are intrigued by the plant’s possibilities…

Cut 6 (10) “…the road.”

Strain expects the next session to be held on January 8th or 9th.

Troopers are partnering with law enforcement across the state as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. State Trooper Michael (RIKE-HEART) Reichardt says to add a designated driver to your holiday list of things to accomplish.

Cut 4 (07) “…drink and drive”

According to Louisiana State Police 16 people were killed over last year’s holiday season and 12 of those fatalities were alcohol-related.

Over 300 Louisiana farmers have attended hemp seminars as Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal approval for local production is imminent…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle

The New Orleans Saints regular season will wrap up on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. The flue de lis (floor-uh-dee-lee) team still has a chance at snagging the number one seed which will earn them a home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.

NFL Analyst Mike Detillier (D-eh-tool-yea) says New Orleans must beat the Panthers and hope a couple of teams lose…

Cut 10 (10) “…hands”

The Saints are 13-2 on the road over the last two seasons.

Ascension parish sheriff deputies raided what they believe was dog fighting activity in Donaldsonville. Four arrests were made and the search is on for others allegedly involved in dog fighting at a residence.

Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says they received a tip about dog fighting. When deputies arrived approximately 15 people scattered from the scene with a dog fight was in progress.

Cut 12 (10) “…just horrible”

Authorities say some suspects under arrest have a 30-thousand dollar bond.

Detectives are looking for 34-year-old Blake Chatman, 32-year-old Kenneth Miller and 50-year-old Michael Williams, all of Donaldsonville in connection with a dog fighting bust. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says there was an active dogfight going on as police arrived…

Cut 14 (10) “…bond.”

Deputies have charged 30-year-old Jarret Bringier of Darrow, and 36-year-old Joseph Duncan, 37-year-old Keith Williams Junior and 32-year-old Joshua Jones of Donaldsonville.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana will receive federal approval to begin selling hemp licenses to state farmers by the first of January. Despite widespread interest not everyone will be allowed to get a hemp license. Because hemp is a cousin of the marijuana plant, Strain says applicants will have to complete a State Police background check after applying…

Cut 7 (05) “…years”

As more people take to the roads for holiday celebrations Louisiana State Police want to remind motorists to take action to prevent accidents. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says never get behind the wheel when impaired and always buckle up.

Cut 3 (09) “…up correctly.”

For the latest road conditions visit 511-LA-dot-org or dial 511 from any cell phone in Louisiana.

The Saints Michael Thomas is making a case as one of the best wide receivers ever. In Sunday’s 38-28 win over Tennessee, Thomas set the record for most receptions in an NFL season. He’s caught more passes and has more receiving yards than any other player during their first four years in the league. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier…

Cut 9 (10) “…this game”

The Saints finish the regular season on Sunday against Carolina. 

There’s a chance LSU’s leading rusher could play Saturday against Oklahoma…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Four people have been arrested and the search is on for three others allegedly involved in a dog fighting case in Donaldsonville. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says arrest were made and drugs, guns and dog fighting paraphernalia were seized….

Cut 13 (10) “  terrible

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain expects Louisiana will receive federal approval to begin selling hemp licenses to state farmers by the first of January. There’s a few hoops to jump through first, including a background check. Even after passing the background check, Strain says you won’t be able to put seeds in the ground until after they verify the product will be profitable, and legal…

Cut 8 (11) “THC-A.”

Saints WR Mike Thomas breaks the NFL record for catches in a season in Sunday’s 38-28 win over Tennessee. Despite the big win, it’s looking unlikely that the Saints will secure home field in the playoffs, and if they have to go on the road they’ll need a healthy line to establish the run game.  NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says the team was down two starters Sunday…

Cut 11 (10) “out there”

Over 300 Louisiana farmers have attended hemp seminars as Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says federal approval for local production is imminent…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle 

According to Wildlife and Fisheries agents believe at least one bald eagle and possibly a second was killed in Northwest Louisiana. Enforcement Division spokesperson Adam Einck (rhymes with Heinch) says they believe it happened in the Lake Claiborne area but not at the state park. No other details were given as the case remains under investigation.

According to LSP during the Christmas holidays last year, 16 people were killed and 12 of those fatalities were alcohol-related. As part of Operation” Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” LSP Trooper Michael Reichardt says never get behind the wheel or in the vehicle with someone who is impaired.

Cut 5 (11) “one too many”

For the latest road conditions visit 511-LA-dot-org or dial 511 from any cell phone in Louisiana.

Four people have been arrested and the search is on for three others allegedly involved in a dog fighting case in Donaldsonville. Ascension Sheriff Bobby Webre says they received a tip about dog fighting taking place at a residence and when deputies arrived about 15 people fled the scene where a dog fight was in progress

Cut 12 (10) “…just horrible”